The first English camp is an exciting moment, but it can also cause doubts and nerves for both children and parents. For many, it will be the first time they spend several days away from home, live with other peers, and experience new adventures in a different environment.
Parents often ask themselves: will they adapt well? will they miss their family? will they be able to communicate in English? what do they need to pack? These concerns are normal, but with good preparation they can turn into excitement and confidence.
Preparing a child for their first English camp does not mean eliminating their fears, but helping them face them with confidence. With the right guidance, the experience stops being a leap into the unknown and becomes an opportunity for growth, learning, and fun that they will remember for a lifetime.
Emotional preparation before camp
Before packing or thinking about the activities, the most important thing is to prepare children emotionally. The first experience away from home can generate nerves, doubts, and even a bit of fear, but with proper support those feelings can turn into excitement.
Good emotional preparation includes three key steps:
- Talk openly about what they will experience: explain that they will make new friends, learn English in a fun way, and enjoy exciting activities. The clearer the plan, the less room there is for uncertainty.
- Normalize nerves and homesickness: it’s natural to feel a little fear of the unknown. If parents acknowledge it and present it as part of the adventure, children will approach it more calmly.
- Emphasize the positive: focusing on what’s fun — sports, excursions, multicultural life — helps them arrive motivated and with positive expectations.
At the Village, this process is supported from day one with close guidance and a ratio of 1 coach for every 5 children, ensuring each participant feels accompanied, safe, and has someone they can trust at all times.
Involving your child in the preparation
One of the best ways to reduce anxiety and increase motivation before an English camp is to make the child an active part of the preparation. The more involved they feel, the more confident they’ll be about the experience ahead.
Here are some practical ideas to achieve it:
- Choose activities or academies together: if the camp offers a variety of sports or creative workshops, letting the child take part in choosing will make them more motivated.
- Pack the suitcase together: review the list of essentials and let them choose part of their clothes or accessories — it gives them a sense of control and responsibility.
- Answer questions before leaving home: take time to talk about schedules, daily routines, and who will be there with them — it reduces fears and builds confidence.
What to pack for an English camp
One of the most common questions parents ask before their child’s first camp is what to pack. Preparing it well is essential so the child feels comfortable, safe, and ready to enjoy every activity without worries.
Here are the essentials that shouldn’t be missing:
- Comfortable and sporty clothing for daily activities.
- Swimsuit, flip-flops, and towel for water sports and swimming pool.
- Sports shoes suitable for walking and physical activity.
- Cap and sunscreen for outdoor activities.
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant).
- Light warm clothing, since nights can be cool even in summer.
- Documentation and any necessary medication, if applicable.
It’s also best to avoid bringing valuables or unnecessary electronic devices, as they can distract from the experience and are easily lost.
At the Village, logistics are designed to make everything simple: the camp includes a laundry service, full board with menus adapted to allergies and intolerances, and 24-hour medical supervision. Parents can therefore pack a simple, practical suitcase knowing their children’s basic needs are fully covered.
How to strengthen independence before camp
One of the biggest learnings from an English camp is the independence children gain while being away from home. However, this process can start even before departure, through small habits that build autonomy and confidence.
Some useful recommendations for parents are:
- Teach them to organize their clothes and belongings: practice folding clothes, separating clean from dirty items, or keeping things tidy in their toiletry bag — it builds confidence.
- Encourage responsibility in daily tasks: let them pack their school backpack or help around the house so they feel capable of managing their routines.
- Talk about how to ask for help: remind them that they can always turn to their monitors if they have a question or problem — it’s key to help them trust the team and not feel alone.
At the Village, autonomy is developed gradually and adapted to each age group. In the Kids program (8–12 years), support is closer so younger campers can slowly learn to manage their routines. In the Teens program (13–17 years), greater independence is encouraged with activities and responsibilities that prepare them for adolescence and adult life.
How parents can stay calm
If adapting to camp is a challenge for children, it can be equally challenging for parents. The first time their children spend several days away from home can cause doubts, worry, and even some fear. Staying calm and trusting the process is key to transmitting confidence to the children.
Some practical tips to achieve this:
- Trust the camp team: asking in advance about the program, the staff, the facilities, and safety protocols helps build reassurance.
- Know the communication channels: understanding how and when you can contact your children reduces anxiety and provides peace of mind.
- Accept nostalgia as normal: for both children and parents, the first days are an adjustment period. Recognizing it as part of the process helps to handle it better.
At the Village, parents have peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe and caring environment: a 1:5 monitor-to-camper ratio, 24-hour medical care, comprehensive insurance, and an international team of coaches ready to support them every moment. Communication with families is also well organized so they can stay informed without interfering with the children’s independence experience.
the Village as a safe and enriching first English camp
The first English camp is an important milestone in every child’s life. It can make the difference between a positive experience that boosts their confidence and a negative one that discourages them from trying again. That’s why choosing the right place is essential.
At the Village, every detail is designed to support children and their families through this first big step. The differentiated programs for Kids (8–12 years) and Teens (13–17 years) ensure that each age group receives the right level of care and independence. Premium facilities, the natural surroundings of Asturias, a 1:5 monitor ratio, 24-hour medical supervision, and more than 200 hours of English in 15 days make the camp a safe and transformative experience.
For children, it means a summer full of friends, sports, creativity, and adventures in a multicultural environment. For parents, it means peace of mind knowing their children are well cared for and will return home with more confidence, independence, and fluency in English.
The first English camp is much more than just a vacation. It’s a journey toward independence, confidence, and excitement for discovering the world. With proper preparation, what begins as nervousness becomes an unforgettable experience that marks a before and after in a child’s life.
For parents, it’s about letting go of fears and trusting that their children are ready to take an important step. For children, it’s an opportunity to learn English naturally, make friends from all over the world, and prove they can grow away from home.
At the Village, every first camp becomes a positive memory that opens the door to new experiences. Because when safety, learning, and fun come together, the result is a summer that stays in the heart forever.
